The Ultimate Tree Climbing Quiz

Recreational tree climbing is becoming a popular activity that brings back some of the joys of childhood. However, tree climbing today is not kid stuff. Before you attempt your next tree climb, take our quiz to learn more about how to do it safely.

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Question 1 of 20

What kind of activity is tree climbing?

recreational

technical

both

More people are climbing trees for fun, joining the arborists who climb trees to care for them.

Question 2 of 20

What is an arborist?

health-care specialist

tree-care specialist

Arborists, or tree-care specialists, perform a wide range of tree-related tasks such as pruning and removing dead branches, diagnosing diseases and insect infestations, supervising tree plantings, overseeing general tree health, advising in matters of tree safety and of course, planning some great Arbor Day festivities.

child-care specialist

Question 3 of 20

Who teaches tree-climbing techniques to beginners?

facilitators

instructors

People trained as facilitators can lead group climbs, but they aren't qualified to teach tree-climbing techniques to beginners. For that, they have to be professional instructors.

arborist

Question 4 of 20

Who is responsible for leading group tree climbs?

facilitators

People trained as facilitators can lead group climbs, but they aren't qualified to teach tree-climbing techniques to beginners.

instructors

arborist

Question 5 of 20

Which U.S. government body offers training sessions to tree-climbing instructors?

Department of Agriculture Service

Department of Forest Service

Department of Agriculture Forest Service

The Department of Agriculture Forest Service offers training sessions for instructor certification.

Question 6 of 20

Who needs tree-climbing gear?

first-timers

professionals

Tree-climbing gear is suitable only for people who've been climbing trees for a while and have the experience needed to try new tricks.

beginners

Question 7 of 20

Tree climbing ropes are typically made out of braided:

polyester

Tree climbing ropes are typically made out of braided polyester, which is soft and pliable for easy knot tying.

iron

copper

Question 8 of 20

Why are safety sunglasses worn during tree climbing?

to protect the eyes from the sun

to protect the eyes from wind

to protect the eyes from debris

Tree climbing can also cause little bits of debris to rain down on climbers, so it's smart to wear safety glasses.

Question 9 of 20

How much rope do you need to climb a tree?

as long as the height of the tree

double the height of the tree

While 150 feet (45 meters) is an oft-cited length, a good rule of thumb is to estimate the height of the tree you want to climb, then double it. That's how much rope you'll want.

triple the height of the tree

Question 10 of 20

Which trees are used for safe climbing?

wild trees

tame trees

Tame trees have been climbed by others and cleared of safety threats.

olive trees

Question 11 of 20

Who can climb wild trees?

arborists

Wild trees are best left to tree-climbing experts and arborists.

first-timers

neophytes

Question 12 of 20

Who of the following diagnoses diseases and insect infestations in trees?

scientific researcher

environmental activist

arborist

Arborists, or tree-care specialists, perform a wide range of tree-related tasks, such as pruning and removing dead branches, diagnosing diseases and insect infestations, supervising tree plantings, overseeing general tree health, advising in matters of tree safety and, of course, planning some great Arbor Day festivities.

Question 13 of 20

How can you benefit from tree climbing?

It's a good workout.

Tree climbing is good exercise and, once you have the basic gear, it's a lot cheaper than going to the gym.

It's an ideal refuge.

It saves money.

Question 14 of 20

Which are some basic tree-climbing equipment?

chainsaw, pole saw

safety harness, chip truck

helmet, saddle, carabiners and rope

A few items that should be used on any basic climb include a helmet, a saddle (the harness that climbers sit in), carabiners, rope, and a throw bag and line to launch the rope over the first branch.

Question 15 of 20

Which equipment is utilized for climbing a tall tree?

helmet

slingshot or bow and arrow

In the case of tall trees, a slingshot or a bow and arrow may be needed to lob a line over a desired limb.

Some climbers haul up hammocks or portable platforms so they can spend time relaxing on elevated perches, enjoying the view and sometimes even spending the night.

Question 18 of 20

Which of the following techniques is commonly used for tree climbing?

single-rope technique

doubled-rope technique

The doubled-rope technique is the more commonly practiced of the two.

rope technique

Question 19 of 20

Why should helmets be worn by spectators near the climbing tree?

to protect from falling objects

Helmets should be worn by all climbers and also by any spectators on the ground. They not only offer protection in the event someone falls, but help guard against injury from dangerous hazards like falling branches.

to protect from falling from the tree

to protect from rain

Question 20 of 20

Which of the following can make trees unsafe for climbing?

fungi

insects

both

Even if an insect infestation or fungi growth haven't damaged a tree, still keep an eye out for wasps and bees, as well as plants such as poison ivy and poison sumac.